Chapter 1: Hermione
The rain came again. The black clouds, the sharp crack of thunder, the lightening that takes over the whole sky. It makes me feel wild and primitive. Like if I try hard enough, I can be part of it. I stand looking out the window pensively before I quickly throw on a jumper and run out into the night.
My skin breaks out with goose bumps as I run through the rain, breathless. I've never felt more alive. It's exactly what I yearn for, after feeling trapped in my own life for so long. It doesn't take long for the rain to soak my skin, but I don't care. I'm free. For now at least.
I'd been confined too long without company. The Order had sent me here to do research on counteracting dark spells. Or so they said. I had my suspicions. I sometimes think they just wanted me out of the way. But, I so loved to study and the old manor that had belonged to Kingsley Shacklebolt's family had an enormous library. So, I agreed without much of a fight. I figured that it couldn't be any more mundane than 12 Grimmauld Place. There were rarely any exciting happenings there, with everyone doing their jobs. Everyone except me, that is. Even Harry and Ron had assignments. I shook off the thought of the others. There was no point in dwelling on things that I couldn't change.
The wind picks up and the rain beats against me harshly. The storm was stronger than I had thought. I duck into a nearby shelter, not noticing that there was someone there already. My breath came in gasps and I let out a wild laugh. Only then did I realize I wasn't alone. I held my wand ready, steadying my shaking hand.
"Cool, logical, sensible Miss Granger, running as if a wild thing was after her. It's quite shocking, really." From the shadows, he stepped into the dim light, cloak rustling with the movement.
I recognized the silky voice at once, having heard it for 7 years, mainly degrading me for being an insufferable know-it-all. My hand dropped uselessly to my side. A shiver ran up my spine and I suddenly realized I was chilled to the bone. I couldn't form words as I stared at him, wondering why he, of all people, was here.
His dark eyes glittered as he spoke again. "You'll catch your death. But, then again, maybe that is what you were hoping for?"
He circled me like a predator, getting closer with each step. What was this about? Why didn't he just berate me with biting words and leave? I scarcely dared to breathe. I was in such shock that I didn't ask what he was doing there.
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue? I've never known you to be speechless." He stopped in front of me, looking at me with something I did not recognize in his eyes.
At that moment I managed to gasp out a reply. "No, of course I'm not trying to catch my death." I stopped, looking at him with confusion. "In fact, I've never felt more alive." I gathered my dignity and stood straighter.
A low rumble of laughter came from him. It sounded quite rusty from disuse. "You are quite full of surprises, Miss Granger." He moved to the doorway, leaning slightly against it. "Why are you out here?"
How dare he ask me that? It's not as if he owns the night! Indignation rose in me. "If it comes to that, why are you out here? Aren't you supposed to be doing some work for the Order?"
He didn't turn around as he spoke again, his voice lower than ever. I had to move closer just to hear him. "Oh, but I am. You don't think they would just leave you out here without a guardian, do you? What with all of the attacks on Muggleborns? But, then again, maybe you're not as bright a witch as everyone seems to think." The customary contempt was back in his voice.
Attacks? I must be more out of touch out here than I had thought. I knew nothing of new attacks. Were mum and dad ok? What was happening? I managed to speak. "Attacks?"
Snape turned and looked at me with something akin to surprise and pity on his face. "You did not know? Well, I guess it is a good thing that they've sent someone here."
I lost my temper. "You mean to tell me that you've been assigned to watch me? I thought I was sent here to do research! To actually be of use to the Order! I knew it! I KNEW IT!" I was hysterical by this time, not caring what I said. "It was just a ruse to get me out of the way! And you! YOU! Of all people, they send you to watch me?" I laughed scornfully. "Didn't they realize I'd be better off alone than with a great bat like yourself?" I knew I was dangerously close to pushing him over the edge, but I didn't care.
There was ice in his voice when he spoke again. I could feel it, like a cold rush of air. "I suggest that you calm down, Miss Granger, before you say something you'll regret." His obsidian eyes narrowed and his voice was a hiss. "They were trying to keep you safe, you silly girl."
"It doesn't matter what they were trying to do. I am capable of taking care of myself! I graduated at the head of my year! I could cast circles of spells around Harry and Ron, and most of the Order members. Instead, they ship me off to this…this deserted hole! Do you know how long it's been since I've talked to someone besides a house elf? Do you? Then the first person I see is you! You with your 'better than thou' attitude, and your sarcasm? How am I supposed to feel? I can't contact my family. I haven't even heard from Harry or Ron in a month!"
He didn't speak, just coolly surveyed me. I don't know what I had expected, but it wasn't this. Maybe some snide comments and foul looks, but not the sympathetic calm that he was showing. "Are you quite done?"
I suddenly stopped, drained after my outburst. I sank down to the earth floor, pulling my knees up under my chin. I didn't speak, but surveyed the man still blocking the doorway. Why would he even accept the job of watching over me? He despises me. Doesn't he?
We remained that way for sometime. He, standing in the doorway in silence, with his back to me. Me, trying not to resort to tears, but gathering my poise before I said any more. Finally, unable to stand the stillness any longer, I gave in. "Why are you here?" What I really meant was why had he agreed to come, but I couldn't ask him that.
"You seem to be repeating yourself, Miss Granger. You know why I am here. I'm here to watch over you." He snorted derisively, as if I was a dunderhead that he had to spell things out to.
Feeling strangely defeated, I stood, warily looking at him. Something about the way he spoke, as if trying to be as unpleasant as possible got my attention. I knew somehow that he was putting on a front. Surprisingly, I felt comforted knowing that someone was indeed watching over me, even if it was him. "You know that is not what I meant, Professor." I was suddenly quite drained. I moved toward the door, but he did not budge.
"I will escort you back to the manor. It's not a night fit for man or beast out there." Still, he did not move. Those eyes were burning into me, but I could not tell what he was thinking.
Curious, I stepped closer, noticing an almost imperceptible flinch on his face. But, he did not back down. No, he wouldn't. I stood, looking up into his unreadable expression. "And which are you, sir?" There were only a few inches of space between us, and I could feel his breath on my cheek when he answered.
With a pained expression on his face, he answered. "In truth, I do not know." He turned, beckoning for me to follow him.
I quietly complied, too tired to argue. I tried to cheer myself by looking on the bright side. At least I'm not alone anymore. And maybe, if he would deign to be in my presence, he could help with my research.
A/N:
A huge thanks to Judy and Jennifer for betaing this fic for me. I don't know what I'd do without your help!
This will be a SS/HG fic, even though you will see glimpses of the other HP characters.
I have about 7 chapters completed now, so I will post one every week or so. Bear with me on updates after that. We have a little one on the way, and I work full time, so I have some pre-occupations to deal with. ;-)
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter. That belongs to JKR and her wonderful imagination. I however, as always, would not mind having Alan Rickman, if only for a few hours!
